- Get plenty of quotes, checking sizes and whether customs and tax charges are covered

- You'll pay a set rate ranging from about £80-£150 for your first tea carton, (actual sizes vary between companies, so check carefully), then between £30-£80 for any additional boxes (anywhere between £30 and £80

- Ask around to see if friends are interested in shipping gear together, though it all has to go to the same address

- You may have to pay a customs or tax charge when your gear arrives at its destination. Some shipping companies will look after some charges, but not others, so check this carefully too, as extra costs can add up

- Check carefully on charges when choosing between door-to-door or door-to-port options

- Most shipping companies will provide boxes, packing materials and so on. If they don't, you'll need to factor these costs in too. Check whether they'll deliver boxes to your door or whether you'll need to fetch them

- Some shipping companies now offer online services to help you track the progress of your luggage home